KAMA O Kama! (addressed as lust), the giver of a place in hell and transmigrator in many births, the abductor of the mind, visitor of the three worlds and destroyer of meditation, austerity and character….. (Shalok Sahaskriti M. 5, p- 1358) In the above reference the lust has been personified as Kama, the god of love. In Hindu mythology, he is the son of Dharma, the god of justice, by Sraddha, the goddess of faith. According to Harivansha Purana, he is the son of Lakshmi.
According to Puranas, his wife is Rati, the goddess of desire. Shiva reduced him to ashes by glancing at him with his third eye, because he obstructed his penitential devotion by inspiring amorous thoughts. But afterwards he allowed him to be bom again as Pradyumna. He has a son named Aniruddha and a daughter named Trisha. He is said to be the lord of Apsaras. His weapons are the bow and arrow. His vehicle is a parrot.
According to Guru Granth Sahib, Kama (lust) is one of the five major vices, the other four being Krodha (anger), Lobha (greed), Moha (attachment) and Ahankara (ego). Kama and Krodha both combine to destroy the body (Ramkali M. l, p. 932). Violence, lust, greed and anger are the four streams of fire (Var Majh M. l, p. 147). In the reference given above, Kama is said to be the cause of transmigration. It leads one to hell.
References :
1. Kohli, Surindar Singh (ed), Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib, 1993
Kama
The Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred scripture of Sikhism, is a profound collection of spiritual wisdom that transcends religious and cultural boundaries. Through its hymns, it reflects universal truths and offers guidance for humanity on the path to righteousness, devotion, and harmony. Among the various mythological references found within the scripture is “Kama,” a concept deeply embedded in Hindu mythology.
In Hindu tradition, Kama represents desire or worldly pleasures and is personified as the god of love and desire. Kama is often portrayed as wielding a bow made of sugarcane and arrows adorned with flowers, symbolizing the sweetness and allure of material temptations. While Kama is celebrated in certain contexts, his presence also serves as a reminder of the potential pitfalls of excessive attachment to worldly pleasures.
The Guru Granth Sahib acknowledges the concept of desire but reinterprets it in a spiritual light. Desire, or trishna, is seen as a binding force that keeps individuals entangled in the cycle of birth and death. Sikh teachings emphasize that unchecked desire leads to ego, greed, and suffering, diverting individuals from the path of divine connection.
The scripture urges individuals to overcome material desires through devotion to the Divine, selfless service, and righteous living. The emphasis lies on cultivating contentment (santokh) and recognizing the impermanence of worldly attachments. In this sense, the reference to Kama becomes a metaphorical lesson, guiding seekers to transcend fleeting pleasures in pursuit of eternal bliss and union with the Creator.
By addressing the concept of Kama, the Guru Granth Sahib highlights its inclusive approach, drawing upon diverse cultural narratives to convey universal spiritual lessons. It transforms mythological references into tools for introspection and self-improvement, reminding humanity of the importance of spiritual discipline and surrender to the Divine.
In conclusion, the Guru Granth Sahib’s nuanced treatment of Kama offers profound insights into the nature of desire and the journey toward spiritual awakening. It inspires individuals to rise above worldly distractions and embrace a life of devotion, humility, and harmony with the Divine.
